The United States and Iran have commenced high-level talks in Muscat, Oman, with Iran's nuclear program as the central issue. This follows a suspension of talks since mid-last year amid military pressure from the Trump administration.
On 6 Feb 2017 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that high-level talks between the US and Iran began in Muscat, the capital of Oman. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the discussions. These talks resumed after negotiations were suspended since June last year, following US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Before the talks began, Araghchi posted on social media stating that Iran approached diplomacy cautiously, learning from last year's events. He affirmed that the negotiations would proceed sincerely while firmly protecting the country's rights.
Iranian media reported that the scope of the talks was limited to Iran's nuclear program and the sanctions it faces. Meanwhile, the US expressed a desire to broaden the discussions to include Iran's long-range missile program and its support for armed groups in the region.
At the same time, President Donald Trump's administration has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its escort fleet to the Arabian Sea near Iranian waters, increasing military pressure alongside diplomatic talks.